Since his tweet in June 2020, Ray Fisher has been talking about Joss Whedon’s abusive behaviour on-set. Now, the Justice League star finally reveals details.
Ray Fisher first revealed the power-obsessed and unprofessional behaviour happening behind-the-scenes on the set of Justice League in June 2020. Ever since, the 33-year-old has used social media to discuss serious allegations of racist behaviour. In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Fisher finally gives details.
Fisher who plays man-turned machine Cyborg, was initially the heart of Justice League in the Snyder version. However, his tortured arc, rich backstory and bond with his father is completely slashed in the Whedon version.
The 33-year-old says that Whedon insisted on a Quasimodo from The Hunchback of Notre Dame portrayal rather than Frankenstein. Once, Fisher said Whedon cut him off,
“It feels like I’m taking notes right now, and I don’t like taking notes from anybody – not even Robert Downey Jr.,”
Source: Hollywood Reporter
“Booyah”
In Whedon’s 2017 version, the script included awkward catch phrases. Including Cyborg’s ‘booyah,’ a catchphrase in the Teen Titan animated series. Although Fisher had said he wasn’t opposed to it, he was wary of Black characters with stereotypical catchphrases.
Fisher told The Hollywood Reporter that he questioned Whedon’s insistence on the catchphrase. However, Fisher said he was cornered into agreement by Warner Bros. producer Jon Berg. Fisher said Berg told him,
“This is one of the most expensive movies Warners has ever made,
“What if the CEO of [Warner Bros. owner] AT&T has a son or daughter, and that son or daughter wants Cyborg to say ‘booyah’ in the movie and we don’t have a take of that? I could lose my job.”
As the first Black superhero on film in the DC Universe, Fisher felt that he had a responsibility to the Black community. He has focused his attention on the handling of allegations by Warner films studio and WarnerMedia, brought forward by himself and others.
During investigation, WarnerMedia has said that “remedial action” was taken. A spokesperson told The Hollywood Reporter, “our policy is to not publically disclose the findings or the results of an investigation.”
Former federal judge, Katherine Forrest conducted the WarnerMedia investigation. She said that in interviews with more than 80 witnesses, she found “no credible support for claims of racial animus” or racial “insensitivity.”
Yet a source revealed to news.com.au that Gal Gadot, known as Wonder Woman, was also a victim. Whedon allegedly said he would damage Gadot’s career after clashing heads. A witness stated that,
“He told her he’s the writer and she’s going to shut up and say the lines and he can make her look incredibly stupid in this movie.”
Source: news.com.au
Although Ray Fisher’s cast members have not directly expressed their concerns. He is not afraid to reveal his experiences with Joss Whedon and WarnerMedia. Fisher has said his intentions are not to get anyone fired, but seeks more accountability in racist behaviour.
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